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The Best Ash Vacuum Cleaner in Canada in 2023 – Reviews and Buying Guide

by Raymond Archambault
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Table of Contents

Buying any ash vacuum cleaner, let alone the best model, is downright tough.

The specs you should consider when purchasing one of these devices is very different than other vacuums. As a result, many people have no idea what to look for when shopping for these vacuums in the first place.

Not to mention, there are many ash vacuums on the market, all of which claiming to be the best model. This fact makes the selection process even harder!

To help you find the best ash vacuum cleaner in Canada this year, we analyzed 29 products and 415 consumer reviews during 49 hours of research.

To learn more about our favorite ash vacuum cleaner, read on. This article provides comprehensive reviews for our top pick, as well as six other models that are worth your time. Scroll to the end of this article if you are interested in a buying guide that can help make the process of selecting your ash vacuum cleaner even easier.

Following our last update, we have determined that the PowerSmith PAVC102 Ash Vacuum is the best model because it is powerful and comes with everything you will need.

PowerSmith PAVC102 10 Amp 4 Gallon Ash Vacuum with 2 Ash Filters, Silver

In a rush? Buy it Now on Amazon!

Ash Vacuum Cleaner Comparative Table

Product Summary Rating Price
TOP PICK
PowerSmith PAVC102 Ash Vacuum

PowerSmith PAVC102 10 Amp 4 Gallon Ash Vacuum with 2 Ash Filters, Silver

  • The Best Overall.
  • Brand: PowerSmith
  • Capacity: 4 gallon
  • Ideal Surface: Wood, metal
  • Power: 10 amp
  • Weight: 14.8 pounds
  • Highly powerful
  • Washable and replaceable filters
  • Heavy-duty
  • Comes with an intensive cleaning kit
8.8/10

Read our Review

See price on Amazon
UPGRADE PICK
BACOENG Ash Vacuum Cleaner

BACOENG 5.3-Gallon Ash Vacuum Cleaner with Double Stage Filtration System, Advanced Ash Vac

  • High Performance.
  • Brand: BACOENG
  • Capacity: 5.3 gallon
  • Ideal Surface: Hard floor, carpet, or upholstery
  • Power: 10 amp
  • Weight: 12.5 pounds
  • Highly powerful suction
  • Two stage filtration
  • Comes with many features
  • Large capacity
9.0/10

Read our Review

See price on Amazon
BUDGET PICK
Snow Joe ASHJ201 Ash Vacuum

Snow Joe ASHJ201 4.8 Gallon 4 Amp Ash Vacuum, Black

  • Budget Pick.
  • Brand: Snow Joe
  • Capacity: 4.8 gallon
  • Ideal Surface: Hard floor
  • Power: 4 amp
  • Weight: 8.8 pounds
  • Highly powerful suction
  • Two stage filtration
  • Comes with many features
  • Large capacity
8.5/10

Read our Review

See price on Amazon

Our Pick for The Best Ash Vacuum Cleaner

PowerSmith PAVC102 Ash Vacuum Review

PowerSmith PAVC102 10 Amp 4 Gallon Ash Vacuum with 2 Ash Filters, Silver

The Best Overall
PowerSmith

The PowerSmith is the best overall ash vacuum cleaner in Canada this year because of its power, suction, and features. Whether this is your first time using an ash vacuum or your millionth, this product will make the process easy and convenient.

See price
on Amazon

PowerSmith PAVC102 Ash Vacuum Video Review

 

What We Think of The PowerSmith PAVC102 Ash Vacuum

If you want the best overall ash vacuum of this year, you need the PowerSmith. The PowerSmith is designed to handle both warm and cool ash for nearly all ash producing appliances. The site specifically lists that you can use it for fireplaces, pellet stoves, wood stoves, and barbecue grills.

Regardless of what appliance you use it for, the PowerSmith has a 10 amp motor, allowing it to forcefully suck up to 4 gallons of ash at a time. Once inside the tank, the ash stays put. Because of the heat resistant HEPA filters, you do not have to worry about this ash vacuum failing on the job.

Something truly unique about this device is that the filter is washable and replaceable. The washable nature allows you to get the most of your filter without wasting money. However, you can simply replace the filter once it has reached its maximum point.

Another reason why we absolutely love the PowerSmith ash vacuum is because it comes with everything you could need. With the purchase of this vacuum, you get two filters, a 10 foot metal line hose, power cord, deep cleaning kit, and an owners manual. The deep cleaning kit is what really allows this vacuum to stand out from the rest.

Based on price alone, the PowerSmith ash vacuum is more expensive than most of the other products on this list. It is important to keep in mind that the other products do not come with all of the additional features, though. Because of these features, the more expensive price tag is reasonable on this product.

Great vacuum. Does a great job of filtering soot. I do not have to worry about air contaminants. It will get hot if you leave it running for awhile, but I understand this given the thick filter.

ken r.

There is a repeated complaint that this ash vacuum’s motor can get hot quickly, though. When this happens, the vacuum will stop working as it should. Although not everyone reports this issue, enough people do that it shows there is a potential motor issue with the device.

Aside from the potential overheating motor, the PowerSmith is the best ash vacuum cleaner this year. Because it is so powerful, comes with washable and replaceable filters, and comes with a complete cleaning kit, this vacuum can handle nearly all needs.

PowerSmith PAVC102 10 Amp 4 Gallon Ash Vacuum with 2 Ash Filters, Silver

PowerSmith PAVC102 10 Amp 4 Gallon Ash Vacuum with 2 Ash Filters, Silver

PowerSmith PAVC102 10 Amp 4 Gallon Ash Vacuum with 2 Ash Filters, Silver

 

PowerSmith PAVC102 Ash Vacuum Specifications

  • Brand: PowerSmith
  • Capacity: 4 gallon
  • Ideal Surface: Wood, metal
  • Power: 10 amp
  • Weight: 14.8 pounds

 

PowerSmith PAVC102 Ash Vacuum Pros and Cons

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Pros

Pros

  • Highly powerful
  • Washable and replaceable filters
  • Heavy-duty
  • Comes with an intensive cleaning kit
img-12

Cons

Cons
  • More expensive than other vacuums
  • Motor runs hot

 

Our Final Opinion about the PowerSmith PAVC102 Ash Vacuum

Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.8 Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.7 Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.8 Price:4.3]

The PowerSmith is the best ash vacuum on the market this year. Although it runs a bit hot, its ash vacuuming power and cleaning kit makes it the ideal choice for those wanting the best product available.

See price
on Amazon

Our Upgrade Pick for an Ash Vacuum Cleaner

BACOENG Ash Vacuum Cleaner Review

BACOENG 5.3-Gallon Ash Vacuum Cleaner with Double Stage Filtration System, Advanced Ash Vac

The High Performance Pick
Bacoeng

The BACOENG Ash Vacuum Cleaner is an advanced cleaner that is suitable for heavy-duty jobs. Though expensive, this product practically ensures a thorough and safe ash clean every time, thanks to its power and double-stage filtration system.

See price
on Amazon

What We Think of The BACOENG Ash Vacuum Cleaner

Whether you are really concerned about air contamination or expect to be vacuuming up a lot of ash, you likely need a high performance ash vacuum cleaner, and most models simply won’t cut it. The BACOENG Ash Vacuum Cleaner is the perfect option for you because of its high performance.

The BACOENG Ash Vacuum Cleaner is our high performance pick because it comes with an advanced ash vacuuming design, which is powered by a 10 amp motor. On top of the powerful motor, the vacuum includes a double stage filtration system. This system is the best at filtering fine dust particles so that they do not contaminate the air or damage the motor.

More so, this ash vacuum cleaner has a pretty large capacity. With a 5.3 gallon container, this vacuum can handle a lot of ash at one time, making your job just a bit easier since you get to make fewer dump runs.

The purchase of this cleaner comes with a flexible metal suction hose, aluminum suction tube, wheel holder, extension wants, crevice nozzle, upholstery nozzle, and attachments for both carpets and smooth floors. All of these features ensure that you can easily vacuum up ash, no matter where it is located around your home.

I bought this to vacuum out my pellet stove. Works just as advertised. Sounds like a small jet taking off because of its powerful system. Great for pellet stove cleaning. Effective, efficient, and easy to clean.

warren w.

In terms of performance and capabilities, we have no complaints about the BACOENG Ash Vacuum Cleaner. That being said, it is very expensive. Especially considering the fact that most of the attachments are plastic, the price of this vacuum is a bit high.

Still, price might not matter much if you need the best performing ash vacuum cleaner on the market. If that sounds like you, the BACOENG Ash Vacuum Cleaner is the perfect choice.

BACOENG 5.3-Gallon Ash Vacuum Cleaner with Double Stage Filtration System, Advanced Ash Vac

BACOENG 5.3-Gallon Ash Vacuum Cleaner with Double Stage Filtration System, Advanced Ash Vac

BACOENG 5.3-Gallon Ash Vacuum Cleaner with Double Stage Filtration System, Advanced Ash Vac

 

BACOENG Ash Vacuum Cleaner Specifications

  • Brand: BACOENG
  • Capacity: 5.3 gallon
  • Ideal Surface: Hard floor, carpet, or upholstery
  • Power: 10 amp
  • Weight: 12.5 pounds

 

BACOENG Ash Vacuum Cleaner Pros and Cons

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Pros

Pros

  • Highly powerful suction
  • Two stage filtration
  • Comes with many features
  • Large capacity
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Cons

Cons

  • Expensive

 

Our Final Opinion About the BACOENG Ash Vacuum Cleaner

Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.7 Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.8 Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.6 Price:4.2]

The BACOENG Ash Vacuum Cleaner is our high performance pick because it has a large capacity, many features, and one of the most powerful suction and filtration systems. Even though it is expensive, it is worth the investment for those in serious need of a high performance model.

See price
on Amazon

 

Our Budget Pick for an Ash Vacuum Cleaner

Snow Joe ASHJ201 Ash Vacuum Review

Snow Joe ASHJ201 4.8 Gallon 4 Amp Ash Vacuum, Black

The Budget Pick
Snow Joe

The Snow Joe is a highly affordable ash vacuum that can help keep your house clean without cleaning out your bank. Unfortunately, it has low power, which means it is not as effective at suctioning up ash as most of the other products on this list.

See price
on Amazon

 

Snow Joe ASHJ201 Ash Vacuum Video Review

 

What We Think of the Snow Joe ASHJ201 Ash Vacuum

If you are on a tight budget, do not ignore the importance of an ash vacuum. Even though these devices cost some money, they are critical for your home’s air quality if you own ash producing appliances. Luckily, there are ash vacuums that are affordable yet effective, such as the Snow Joe.

This Snow Joe ash vacuum uses a four amp motor and 4.8 gallon capacity to suction up ash from any pellet stoves, wood stoves, fire pits, fireplaces, or grills. At the same time, the price tag is super affordable so that you can afford the vacuum in the first place.

The Snow Joe comes with the Snow Joe customer promise that lasts for two years as well. This warranty offers some peace of mind for those who are already strapped for cash.

Although affordable, the Snow Joe still offers pretty good filtration. This ash vacuum comes with a dual filter, including a prefilter and a pleated filter. That way, the dust is sure to stay trapped within the motor and not in your home.

For those on a budget, it is hard to find a better ash vacuum than the Snow Joe. That being said, there are serious downsides.

Most importantly, the motor is only four amps. Most professionals recommend an ash vacuum cleaner with a motor between 5 and 10 amps. Because of this act, the four amp motor is not as powerful as most should be for ash cleaning purposes.

Convenient for cleaning out my smoker. It is compact enough for storing. The suction power could be better, but it is good enough for the job. Good value for the price.

martin c.

Another drawback is that it is not quite as convenient as other ash vacuums. Instead of casters, it comes with a handle, which means you have to carry it around instead of rolling it. It also comes with fewer appliances to adequately clean different surfaces.

Even though these drawbacks are notable, the Snow Joe was still one of the only options for those on a budget. It might not clean as well as the other vacuums, but it still does a decent job considering its price.

Snow Joe ASHJ201 4.8 Gallon 4 Amp Ash Vacuum, Black

Snow Joe ASHJ201 4.8 Gallon 4 Amp Ash Vacuum, Black

Snow Joe ASHJ201 4.8 Gallon 4 Amp Ash Vacuum, Black

 

Snow Joe ASHJ201 Ash Vacuum Specifications

  • Brand: Snow Joe
  • Capacity: 4.8 gallon
  • Ideal Surface: Hard floor
  • Power: 4 amp
  • Weight: 8.8 pounds

 

Snow Joe ASHJ201 Ash Vacuum Pros and Cons

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Pros

Pros

  • Highly affordable
  • Comes with a warranty
  • Large capacity
  • Dual filtration
img-24

Cons

Cons
  • Low amp
  • Does not come with accessories

 

Our Final Opinion About the Snow Joe ASHJ201 Ash Vacuum

Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.3 Effectiveness 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.3 Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars

Even though the Snow Joe has low power, it is still the best option for those on a budget. Keep in mind that you might want to save up some money to get a more efficient model in the future.

See price
on Amazon

Alternative Products to Consider

BACOENG Compact Ash Vacuum Cleaner Review

BACOENG 4 Gallon 6.6Amp Compact Ash Vacuum Cleaner w/ Blowing Function, Bagless Debris Ash Collector for Fireplaces, Grills, BBQ's, Fire Pits, and Stoves

The Compact Pick
Bacoeng

If you are tight on space, you should check out the BACOENG Compact. This ash cleaner is designed so that it can easily store in any home, regardless of size. Because of its compact size, it comes with fewer accessories than most other options.

See price
on Amazon

 

What We Think of the BACOENG Compact Ash Vacuum Cleaner

Many ash vacuums are unnecessarily bulky and simply take up too much space in your home. On the contrary, other vacuums are incredibly small and do not offer much help due to their small capacity. The BACOENG Compact is a unique model because it is highly compact but still has a pretty good capacity.

More specifically, the cleaner has a four gallon capacity, which is a pretty decent size for just about any home. At the same time, it comes with a compact design so that it only weighs about 8 pounds. Meanwhile, nothing hangs off the tank so that you can easily squeeze it into place for storage.

In addition to the compact design, this vacuum cleaner comes with a HEPA filter. This filter thoroughly locks the ash particles in place and protects the motor at the same time.

One last thing you might like about this ash vacuum cleaner is that it is relatively affordable. Its price is very reasonable and warranted given its capabilities.

As with any other product you could consider, the BACOENG Compact has drawbacks. The most obvious is that it lacks any additional accessories. This may make it difficult to clean up ash that is located on different surfaces or hard to reach places.

Works well. The filter gets full of ash and needs to be blown out on occasion.

tammi m.

Another drawback is that multiple customers complain about the filter getting clogged. It is unclear why this is since the filter is HEPA approved. There must be some sort of design malfunction that prevents the HEPA filter from doing its job.

Drawbacks aside, the BACOENG Compact is perfect for those tight on storage. Although it has a large capacity, it is conveniently designed to be compact and slim.

BACOENG 4 Gallon 6.6Amp Compact Ash Vacuum Cleaner w/ Blowing Function, Bagless Debris Ash Collector for Fireplaces, Grills, BBQ's, Fire Pits, and Stoves

BACOENG 4 Gallon 6.6Amp Compact Ash Vacuum Cleaner w/ Blowing Function, Bagless Debris Ash Collector for Fireplaces, Grills, BBQ's, Fire Pits, and Stoves

BACOENG 4 Gallon 6.6Amp Compact Ash Vacuum Cleaner w/ Blowing Function, Bagless Debris Ash Collector for Fireplaces, Grills, BBQ's, Fire Pits, and Stoves

 

BACOENG Compact Ash Vacuum Cleaner Specifications

  • Brand: BACOENG
  • Capacity: 4 gallon
  • Ideal Surface: Carpet, upholstery
  • Power: 800 watts
  • Weight: 8 pounds

 

BACOENG Compact Ash Vacuum Cleaner Pros and Cons

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Pros

Pros

  • Compact
  • Large capacity despite compact design
  • Reasonably priced
  • HEPA filter
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Cons

Cons
  • Does not come with accessories
  • Gets clogged

 

Our Final Opinion About the BACOENG Compact Ash Vacuum Cleaner

Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.2 Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.4 Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.6 Price 4.5 out of 5.0 stars

The BACOENG Compact is compact yet large enough for most messes. Keep in mind that the filter is faulty and should be treated accordingly.

See price
on Amazon

CRAFTSMAN 17585 Ash Vacuum Review

CRAFTSMAN 17585 5 Gallon 3 Peak HP Ash Vacuum with Attachments

The Visibility Pick
Craftsman

Sometimes, it can be difficult to vacuum up all the ash due to visibility issues. The Craftsman ash vacuum makes it easy to see because it comes with an LED lighted hose. Unfortunately, the Craftsman has relatively low vacuum suction and clogs easily.

See price
on Amazon

 

CRAFTSMAN 17585 Ash Vacuum Video Review

 

What We Think of The CRAFTSMAN 17585 Ash Vacuum

If you have used an ash vacuum before and struggled to see where the ash is located, you need the Craftsman. The Craftsman works just like any other ash vacuum, but it comes with a convenient LED light so that you can see what you are suctioning up.

The purpose of this LED light is to point light directly at the area you are vacuuming. Given that many ash vacuums are used in dark locations, such as in the basement or outdoors at night time, this LED light can ensure you are only vacuuming ash and nothing else.

In addition to the LED light on the suction hose, the Craftsman features non-stick coated HEPA filters and a three peak horsepower motor. With the purchase of the vacuum, you will get a locking hose, metal wand, crevice tool, and media filter as well. These are all the basic things you need with any ash vacuum.

The tank itself is attractive and heavy-duty. It is made from heavy-duty metal that helps to track the particles. The tank is pretty attractive too.

Price wise, the Craftsman is easy to afford. It is closest in price to our budget pick. So, those on a budget should be able to afford the Craftsman.

Unfortunately, the positives about this device stop here. There are way more drawbacks than benefits with this model. For example, it clogs easily and lacks good suctioning power. As a result, it can be difficult to suction up the ash, and what ash you do suction up, it may cause the machine to malfunction.

Overall good purchase. You have to clean the filters more than expected. The hose needs a better way to connect to the barrel too since it can turn, unlock, and fall out. Good vacuum overall though. Powerful.

brett f.

Even people who do not outright cite specific drawbacks of this model most often say that it is just OK. This proves that the Craftsman is not a great ash vacuum cleaner if you are looking for a superb device to clean up a lot of ash in or around your home.

Because there are more drawbacks to the Craftsman than benefits, we wouldn’t recommend this to most users. The only major benefit of this model is the LED wand. For those with visibility issues, the LED wand may make the model worth the purchase.

CRAFTSMAN 17585 5 Gallon 3 Peak HP Ash Vacuum with Attachments

CRAFTSMAN 17585 5 Gallon 3 Peak HP Ash Vacuum with Attachments

CRAFTSMAN 17585 5 Gallon 3 Peak HP Ash Vacuum with Attachments

CRAFTSMAN 17585 Ash Vacuum Specifications

  • Brand: Craftsman
  • Capacity: 5 gallon
  • Ideal Surface: Hard floor
  • Power: 3 HP
  • Weight: 12 pounds

 

CRAFTSMAN 17585 Ash Vacuum Pros and Cons

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Pros

Pros

  • LED on wand
  • Durable barrel
  • Affordable
img-36

Cons

Cons
  • Clogs easily
  • Does not have good suction

Our Final Opinion About the CRAFTSMAN 17585 Ash Vacuum

Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.2 Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.3 Design 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Price:4.4]

The Craftsman is simply not as reliable as some of the other models on this list. Even though the LED wand is convenient, it doesn’t make up for the numerous drawbacks.

See price
on Amazon

 

US Stove Ash Vacuum Review

US Stove Ash Vacuum, 2HP, 6 Gal

The Capacity Pick
US Stove

The US Stove Ash Vacuum is one of the few affordable vacuums that has over a 5 gallon capacity. With a capacity of 6 gallons, it is perfect for heavy uses, but it is very bulky and not suited for those limited on space.

See price
on Home Depot

 

US Stove Ash Vacuum Video Review

 

What We Think of the US Stove Ash Vacuum

If you need a large capacity ash vacuum, you should get the US Stove Ash Vacuum. With a 6 gallon capacity, it can clean up a lot of ash while reducing the number of times you need to dump it out on the job. In addition to the large capacity, it is safe for both warm and cold ashes. It features an 8 foot power cord, 3.25 section hose, and 8 inch aluminum wand.

One of the more impressive features of this model is that it comes with a three layer filtration system and a mesh cage. These features ensure that the dust stays inside the container without damaging the motor. This is a necessity for all ash vacuums, but especially large capacity ones.

The price is surprisingly affordable too. It is nowhere near as expensive as our best overall or high performance pick, but it offers many of the same features and a larger capacity.

Because of its large capacity, it probably is not a shock that this is not an ideal choice for those with limited space. It will be much harder to store simply because of how large it is. Apartment dwellers might want a smaller device.

These work great in my WSM and pull behind. Really helping stabilize the heat.

bishop

Another issue with the US Stove Ash Vacuum is that it does not come with many accessories. If this is your first device, you will need to buy additional accessories, which can make the price go up quickly.

Even though these complaints should be taken into consideration, they are minor, and there are no serious complaints about the model’s performance. As a result, the US Stove Ash Vacuum is one of the best choices if you need a high capacity model.

The only reason we did not list this as our high performance pick is that most people will not need this large capacity. We still recommend the BOACOENG if you need a high performance model, but this may be a great second choice.

 

US Stove Ash Vacuum Specifications

  • Brand: US Stove
  • Capacity: 6 gallon
  • Ideal Surface: Hardwood
  • Power: 2 HP
  • Weight: 12 pounds

US Stove Ash Vacuum Pros and Cons

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Pros

Pros

  • Extra large capacity
  • 3 stage filtration
  • Highly durable
  • Affordable
img-39

Cons

Cons

  • Requires a lot of space for storage
  • Does not come with additional accessories

 

Our Final Opinion About the US Stove Ash Vacuum

Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.6 Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.8 Design 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Price:4.6]

Even though it is not suitable for those with small storage space, the US Stove Ash Vacuum is the best choice if you need a high capacity model. Its six gallon capacity is packed with three stage filtration and durability that you won’t get from any other vacuum.

See price
on Home Depot

 

Shop-Vac 4041300 Ash Vacuum Review

Shop-Vac 4041300 18.9 L/5 Gallon Ash Vacuum, Stainless Steel

The Shop-Vac Pick
Shop-Vac

Shop-Vac is easily one of the most recognized brands for wet/dry vacuums. If you are a Shop-Vac fanatic, you can get the Shop-Vac Ash Vacuum. Unfortunately, this ash vacuum doesn’t live up to the Shop-Vac brand, which is explains why the brand is most known for their wet/dry vacs. Some people would disagree with our assessment, though.

See the price
on Amazon

 

Shop-Vac 4041300 Ash Vacuum Video Review

 

What We Think of The Shop-Vac 4041300 Ash Vacuum

Even people who do not use wet/dry vacuums have likely heard of the Shop-Vac brand. After all, it is the most known brand regarding the appliance. Because ash vacuums are so similar to wet/dry vacs, it is probably not shocking that Shop-Vac makes ash vacuums too.

The Shop-Vac Ash Vacuum includes a 5 gallon capacity and 120 voltage. This provides adequate power for sucking up ash, but it is not phenomenal. At least the five gallon capacity is very large.

The filtration system is OK, but not great either. It includes a two stage HEPA filter. Unfortunately, many customers complained that this filter does not do a great job of keeping the dust in place and that it needs to be cleaned out much more frequently than other models.

To make up for some of the drawbacks, the Shop-Vac Ash Vacuum does come with thermal cutoff in the motor and a pellet storage kit. This kit helps you to clean up around and in your pellet stove easily. Most people report that these attachments work pretty well and are frequently rated highly.

As you would expect from any Shop-Vac, the ash vacuum is expensive. Especially considering its capabilities, it is overpriced. You can easily find a more impressive ash vacuum at a lower price.

It is strong built and I think it is worth the money. I wish the attachment reached further, though.

alfred w.

Still, many people argue the opposite. Several of the customers argue that the Shop-Vac Ash Vacuum is easily the most powerful and efficient ash vacuum on the market for its price. Although we disagree with this assessment, you might agree with it.

In our opinion, we would not recommend the Shop-Vac Ash Vacuum to most users. Unless you are a diehard Shop-Vac fan, go with another brand entirely. When you purchase this product, you are primarily only paying for the brand, not its superior capabilities.

Shop-Vac 4041300 18.9 L/5 Gallon Ash Vacuum, Stainless Steel

Shop-Vac 4041300 18.9 L/5 Gallon Ash Vacuum, Stainless Steel

 

Shop-Vac 4041300 Ash Vacuum Specifications

  • Brand: Shop-Vac
  • Capacity: 5 gallon
  • Ideal Surface: Hardwood
  • Power: 120 volts
  • Weight: 13 pounds

Shop-Vac 4041300 Ash Vacuum Pros and Cons

img-43

Pros

Pros

  • Shop-Vac brand
  • Large capacity
  • Durable
img-44

Cons

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Doesn’t offer great filtration and ash trapping

 

Our Final Opinion About the Shop-Vac 4041300 Ash Vacuum

Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.3 Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.3 Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.3 Price:4.2]

At the end of the day, the Shop-Vac brand is not known for ash vacuum cleaners for a reason. Even though the Shop-Vac Ash Vacuum is better than some brands, it is our least favorite product on this list. We would recommend going with one of the above options instead.

See price
on Amazon

 

Why Should You Trust Us?

All the recommendations we make on The Good Choice are the result of many hours of research, comparisons, analysis of consumer reviews and, if necessary, expert feedbacks. The products we recommend here are the ones that will best perform their daily tasks, passing all security, reliability and efficiency tests while having an appealing price-quality ratio for everyone.

What are our criteria for judging the products reviewed and selected by The Good Choice?

  • Quality: Does the product have a solid construction? Will it be reliable over time? Does it have a good warranty?
  • Efficiency: Is the product efficient in its task or do you need to give it some help? Is it for example powerful, fast, quiet?
  • Usability: Is the product easy to handle, easy to use and maintain?
  • Price: Is the price of the product and/or accessories and/or spare parts reasonable compared to the rest of the market?

In addition to these main criteria, we then establish a list of specific criteria for each product category, detailed a little further down in this article.

In the end, the products we recommend are the ones we would want to buy, and the ones we would also choose for our friends and family.

 

Things to Know Before Buying an Ash Vacuum Cleaner

Can I vacuum ash with a regular vacuum?

No. You cannot vacuum ash with a regular vacuum cleaner. In fact, doing so will spread the ash particles all throughout the vacuum’s motor and into the air. The same goes for wet/dry vacuums. Only ash vacuum cleaners are equipped to deal with particles as fine as ash.

How is an ash vacuum cleaner different from a wet/dry vacuum?

An ash vacuum is much like a wet/dry vacuum, but the filter is slightly different so that ash particles do not affect the motor. It also includes a system that prevents additional ash from leaving out the exhaust and a metal tank.

Can I use an ash vacuum cleaner for messes normally cleaned by a wet/dry vacuum?

No. You should not use your ash vacuum cleaner and wet/dry vacuum interchangeably. Because ash vacuums are specifically designed for fine, small particles, they will not adequately clean liquids or bulky items like a wet/dry vac.

Can I use an ash vacuum cleaner on hot ashes?

Ash vacuum cleaners are equipped to handle higher heats associated with ash, but you should not try to vacuum up items that are still on fire or smoldering. Even if the ash is not smoldering, allowing it to cool completely will extend the lifespan of your cleaner.

What appliances would benefit from an ash vacuum cleaner?

Ash vacuum cleaners are ideal for any appliances that generate ash and soot. Fireplaces, pellet stoves, fire pits, and barbecue stands are four appliances that often benefit from a high efficiency ash vacuum cleaner.

 

How to Properly Choose Your Ash Vacuum Cleaner

Ash Vacuum Cleaner

Because ash vacuum cleaners are not appliances that people regularly have on hand, it can be difficult when it is time to pick out your own model. Knowing the five most important factors to consider when choosing your own ash vacuum cleaner can help you out during the selection process.

The five factors to consider include capacity, size, suction, filter, and hose. Let’s take a look at each one of these factors in more detail.

Capacity

As with any other vacuum, ash vacuum cleaners come in different capacities. The larger the capacity, the more ash the tank can hold before you need to dump it out. Ash vacuum cleaners are measured in gallons. You want the capacity of the vacuum to match your intended needs. Ash vacuum cleaners are measured in gallons.

If you have multiple appliances around the home that will require the ash vacuum cleaner, you will want a large capacity. That way, you do not have to stop the vacuuming process to dump out the tank. On the flip side, a small indoor fireplace only requires a small capacity vacuum. Getting a vacuum with an excessively large capacity may be a waste of your money.

Size

Related to capacity is size. Keep in mind that the larger the capacity of your ash vacuum cleaner, the larger its size will be. This fact sounds obvious, but it is important to remember if you are limited on space. After all, you will need to store this vacuum when not in use.

For this reason, get an ash vacuum cleaner that has a large enough capacity for your needs without being excessively bulky. By finding a balance between capacity and size, your tank can hold a good portion of the ash without taking up too much space in your home during storage.

If you know that you are extremely tight on storage, you might want to sacrifice the capacity of the tank for a more compact model. Even though this may cause you to dump out the tank more frequently, it might be ideal since it ensures you have a proper home for the tool.

Suction

In order for ash vacuum cleaners to do their job, they have to have a lot of suction power. If not, the vacuum will not be able to lift up the fine particles of ash without them going everywhere in the process.

The number one clue to an ash vacuum’s suctioning power is its motor. It is important to always get an ash vacuum that has a motor that ranges between 5 and 10 amps of power. If you know you will be vacuuming a lot of ash frequently, it doesn’t hurt to go over the 10 amp mark.

Filter

Unlike other vacuums, HEPA filters are not just recommended. Instead, they are required for an ash vacuum cleaner. HEPA filters are required to trap in fine particles like ash. Any other filter will not be efficient enough to keep the ash in place.

If the ash vacuum cleaner you are looking at does not come with a HEPA filter, either by a HEPA filter or buy a different model altogether.

Hose

The last factor to consider is the hose. More specifically, check the hose length. Many people find that they bought an ash vacuum cleaner with a hose too short to easily get all around their devices. Double checking the hose length ensures you do not find yourself in this same situation.

 

We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of ash vacuum cleaners allowing you to choose the best product possible. If we are missing information or new models, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or to send us a message.

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